Booster Draft is a way to build a brand-new Magic: The Gathering deck at the table. Open 3 booster packs, pick 1 card at a time and pass the rest, then build a 40-card deck from what you drafted and play against the other drafters. No existing collection or deck needed, everyone starts from the same 3 packs. This guide walks you through it one step at a time, with no experience needed.
Download the free printable quick guide (PDF)
Two pages you can print and keep next to your cards while you learn.
Want the official format page? Visit Wizards' Booster Draft format page (magic.wizards.com).
Prefer to watch? Official video
This official Wizards of the Coast video walks through the different ways to play Magic, including Booster Draft (starting a couple minutes in). Watch it before or after reading this guide.
Video: "Ways to Play Magic: The Gathering," Magic: The Gathering (official Wizards of the Coast channel).
What do you need to play?
- 3 booster packs, the same set, the same for every player in the draft.
- No existing deck or collection required, everything comes from the packs.
- Basic lands are provided free.
Best with a full pod, often 8 players, but a smaller group works too.
How does the pick-and-pass work?
Open your first pack, pick 1 card and set it face down, then pass the rest of the pack to your neighbor. You'll receive a pack from your other neighbor, pick another card, and pass again. Repeat until every card from that pack is drafted.
- Pack 1: pass left
- Pack 2: pass right
- Pack 3: pass left again
Keep your picks face down and hidden. You may look back through your own drafted cards between packs, as long as you're not holding any other cards at the same time.
How do you build your deck?
After the draft, you'll have around 45 cards. Build a deck of at least 40 cards using only cards from your own pool, plus as many basic lands as you need. There's no maximum size, and unlike Constructed formats, you're not limited to 4 copies of a card.
Cards you don't use become your sideboard. You can freely swap them in between games of a match.
How does the event run?
- Draft (about 30 minutes): open and draft all 3 packs.
- Build (about 25 minutes): build your 40-card deck. There's a time limit, so plan ahead.
- Play (Swiss pairings, best of 3): play matches against other drafters, win 2 of 3 games to win a match.
Times can vary by store, always confirm before the draft starts.
Quick refresher: how do you actually play?
Booster Draft uses the exact same core Magic rules as any other format, just a 40-card deck and 20 starting life instead of 60+ card decks or Commander's 100-card, 40-life setup. If you've never played Magic before, our Commander (EDH) guide covers the full turn structure, the stack, zones and combat in detail. Here's the short version:
- Your turn: untap, upkeep, draw, main phase 1, combat, main phase 2, end step. 1 land per turn.
- Mana: tap lands to pay a spell's cost, generic mana first, then the colored symbols.
- Combat: declare attackers, declare blockers, deal damage at the same time.
How do you win?
| Life hits 0 | The most common way. Starts at 20, standard Magic life total. |
| Empty library | Would you draw with 0 cards left? You lose right away. |
| An effect says so | Rare, but some cards have their own win condition. |
A match is best 2 of 3 games. Lose game 1? You may swap in sideboard cards before game 2.
Common keywords
| Keyword | What it means |
|---|---|
| Flying | Can only be blocked by creatures with flying or reach. |
| Trample | Extra damage beyond lethal spills past a blocker. |
| Deathtouch | Any amount of damage from it is lethal. |
| First / Double Strike | Deals damage before other creatures, or twice. |
| Vigilance | Doesn't tap when it attacks. |
| Removal | Community term for a spell or ability that destroys or neutralizes a creature. Prioritize these in the draft. |
What's the best strategy for your first draft?
- Stay open early. Take the strongest card in your first few picks rather than committing to a color right away.
- Prioritize removal and bombs (powerful rares or mythics) when you see them.
- Settle into 2 colors. A splash of a 3rd color is fine once you have the mana to support it.
- Mind your curve. Play mostly 2 and 3-cost cards, and save a few big finishers for the top.
- Aim for about 17 lands in a 40-card deck.
Quick reference
| Deck | 40 cards minimum, only your drafted pool plus basic lands |
| Draft | 1 card per pick, pass left, then right, then left |
| Event | Draft (~30 min) → Build (~25 min) → Play (Swiss, best of 3) |
| Match | Best 2 of 3 games, sideboard between games |
| Win | Opponent's life hits 0, or they can't draw a card |
Printable quick guide
Everything above fits on two printable pages. Print it double-sided and keep it at the table.
Download the printable guide (PDF)
Official Magic rules and tools (free)
Wizards of the Coast posts the official rules and formats for free.
- Booster Draft format page: the official overview of the format.
- What Is Booster Draft and How Is It Done?: Wizards' own explainer article.
- Comprehensive Rules: every Magic rule in full detail, for when a card does something tricky.
Where can you draft near Newport, TN?
Landfall Outpost hosts Booster Draft for players of all experience levels at 138 North St, Newport, TN 37821. New to drafting? We'll walk you through your first pick. Pick up booster packs and supplies in our Magic: The Gathering collection, and check our events page for our current schedule. Free on-site parking.